Certified Building Official Online Home Study Course

Certified Building Official Online Home Study Course
Updated 7/16/2024mc

HOW TO TAKE THIS COURSE

If you need any additional assistance, please email at Instructor@TheExamPros.com

 

You MUST first sign up for your Exam(s) & pay online at    www.floridaexam.com

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ENROLL TO TAKE BOTH THE BUSINESS AND TRADE EXAMS AT THE SAME TIME. IF NOT, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $80 TO TAKE THE SECOND EXAM.

 

 

Testing Company Info

Below is the testing company information you will need concerning your exam.

The answers to the examination questions will be based on the editions listed below. Some of the questions will also be based on field experience and knowledge of trade practices. Editions earlier or later than those listed below can be brought to the examination but AT YOUR OWN RISK. However, ONLY ONE COPY of each reference will be allowed into the examination.

Photocopies will not be allowed unless the appropriate authorities (DBPR and the publishers) have given written authorization. Hand-written and typewritten notes are NOT allowed. Existing handwritten notes must be blackened out or whitened out completely, by the candidate, prohibiting legibility. Moveable tabs (e.g., Post-it® Flags) are NOT allowed. You will not be permitted to make any marks in your references during the examination.

To speak to a Pearson Vue customer service representative about an exam reservation, please call 888-204-6230

What to Expect at Pearson Vue testing center

 

 

Computer-based test demo

Photo representing a test taker taking their exam on a computer

Familiarize yourself with the look, feel and navigation of a Pearson VUE computer-based test. View demo.

Lesson 1 - Test Taking Techniques

This section will explain to you what you are up against when taking a test. This will provide you with all of the tricks that the testing company uses to make you choose the wrong answer, and most importantly user up your valuable time. remember, the #1 reason why a candidate fails the exam is because they run out of time. please feel free to watch this video several times throughout your process. You will not completely understand all of this video UNTIL you take 4-5 of my practice exams.

Time Management Video
Key Words Video
Tricks & Shortcuts Video
Practice Exam Video

ABCD's of test taking

 

Scope

The Certified Building Official is responsible for the development, administration, interpretation, application, and enforcement of the codes adopted by their jurisdiction. They will be able to manage their department's budget and the certification and training of inspection staff. They will have an understanding of laws and regulations pertaining to human resources. They will have a thorough knowledge of customer service, develop and maintain effective relationships with all client groups, and be able to effectively communicate with contractors, homeowners, subordinates, superiors, news media, elected officials, and civic organizations.

The Certified Building Official shall be responsible for development and implementation of programs that provide for the review and inspections of all occupancies for, but not limited to, fire and life safety, interior finish, occupancy type, height and area limitations, construction type, and general fire safety, in accordance with Codes and Standards adopted by their respective jurisdictions. The Certified Building Official shall also develop and implement programs for plan review, permitting and enforcement to ensure compliance with adopted Codes and Standards.

To achieve the Certified Building Official certification, there are three module exams that must be passed: MN Management Module, ME Legal Module, and Building Codes & Standards Module. 

Note: You have 18 months to fulfill the exam requirements to achieve this designation. This is an open book exam. Any copyrighted, bound book may be used at a test site. Exam questions will only come from the listed approved references, and exam appeals may only be based on the listed approved references.

MN Management Module

The Management Module is one of three examinations required for candidates pursuing a Certified Building Official or Certified Fire Marshal combination designation.

Note: You have 18 months to fulfill the exam requirements to achieve either the CBO or CFM designation.

Number of questions: 75

Time limit: 2 hours

Content Outline for this module:

Customer Service and Communication 30%

Financial Management 22%

Personnel Management 30%

Records Management 18%

References

  • 2018 International Building Code
  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • 2018 International Fire Code
  • A Budgeting Guide for Local Government, (3rd or 4th ed.)
  • Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 4th ed.
  • Inspector Skills

    ME Legal Module

    The Legal Module is one of three examinations required for candidates pursuing a Certified Building Official or Certified Fire Marshal combination designation.

    Note: You have 18 months to fulfill the exam requirements to achieve either the CBO or CFM designation.

    Number of questions: 75

    Time limit: 2 hours

    Content Outline for this module:

    Legislative11%

    Code Enforcement 50%

    Human Resources 28%

    Public Records 11%

    References

    • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
    • 2018 International Building Code
    • 2018 International Fire Code
    • Legal Aspects of Code Administration, 2017 Edition
    • Building Department Administration, 5th Edition
    • Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach, 4th ed.

    Building Codes and Standards Module

    The Building Codes and Standards module is one of three examinations required for candidates pursuing a Certified Building Official combination designation. To obtain the CBO, you will need to also pass the Legal module (MG) exam and the Management module (MM) exam.

    Note: You have 18 months to fulfill the exam requirements to achieve this designation.

    Number of questions: 80

    Time limit: 2 hours

    Content Outline for this module:

    Architectural Plan Review 31%

    Structural Plan Review 13%

    Building Systems Plan Review 19%

    Field Instruction 37%

    References

    • 2018 International Mechanical Code
    • 2018 International Plumbing Code
    • 2018 International Building Code
    • 2018 International Fire Code
    • 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
    • 2018 International Residential Code
    • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
    • Special Inspection Manual 2012 or 2018 Edition
    • ICC A117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities
    • NFPA 70: National Electrical Code 2020 Edition
    Note: You may bring either the 2018 or 2012 edition of the Special Inspection Manual for this exam. You may bring either the 2020 or 2017 edition of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code for this exam. 

      Lesson 2 - Highlighting and Tabbing Your Books

      This section will explain to you how to highlight and tab your books. This is the most important part of the whole process. the most important question that I have for you is this. Now that you have found this answer within the book on my practice test, how are you going to be able to get back to this page on test day within 30 seconds? Do I need to study the table of contents better? Do I need to find the index faster? Add an additional tab? Please do not add a tab for EVERY highlight. That is a waste of your time. You will need to spend the majority of the time taking the practice tests. This is the objective on test day, find 70% (and for some exams up to 76%) of the correct answers in the reference books within the allotted time.

      Highlights and Tabs

      Lesson 2 - Highlighting and Tabbing Your Books

      This section will explain to you how to highlight and tab your books. This is the most important part of the whole process. the most important question that I have for you is this. Now that you have found this answer within the book on my practice test, how are you going to be able to get back to this page on test day within 30 seconds? Do I need to study the table of contents better? Do I need to find the index faster? Add an additional tab? Please do not add a tab for EVERY highlight. That is a waste of your time. You will need to spend the majority of the time taking the practice tests. This is the objective on test day, find 70% (and for some exams up to 76%) of the correct answers in the reference books within the allotted time.

      Highlights and Tabs

      Trade Book Tabs and Highlights

      Lesson 3 

      Practice Exams 

      Exams by Book & Topic 

       

      Final Exams

      Final Exam - Management Module

      Final Exam - Legal Module

      Final Exam - Building Codes and Standards Module

       

        IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU SHOULD PREPARE FOR THE EXAM BY TAKING EACH PRACTICE EXAM THREE TIMES EACH